Lesbian actress says she will be executed if sent back to Iran

The Iranian star of a film having its London premiere today said she fears for her life if her appeal to stay in Britain is rejected.

Kiana Firouz, who plays a lesbian seeking asylum in Britain in Cul-de-Sac, said she could face execution if she returns to her home country, where homosexuality is illegal, after Iranian intelligence services found footage of a documentary that she had been secretly filming.

The 27-year-old, who came to Britain two years ago as a student, had her asylum appeal rejected because she could conceal her homosexuality.

She has lodged a final appeal, arguing that publicity for Cul-de-Sac has made her homosexuality common knowledge.

She told Radio Free Europe: "My application was ignored by the Home Office despite the serious threat to my life if they deport me to Iran."

One of her legal representatives said: "She will be in incredible danger, not only because she's gay but because the film does not show the Iranian authorities in a good light."